Age may bring wisdom, but your facial movements bring wrinkles and lines. The combination of facial movements, sun damage and loss of elasticity can result in deep lines that make you look older. Botox treatment is one option to help solve this problem. Dr. Charles Dietzek, of the Vein and Vascular Institute of New Jersey, offers Botox treatment and other aesthetic services.
What is Botox?
Made from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, Botox is a medication that is highly refined from a toxin the bacteria produces. The bacterial infection is known as botulism, and occurs when people eat contaminated food. The toxin actually causes paralysis of the muscles, and that quality is harnessed in Botox to help improve the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, Botox is used to treat excessive underarm sweating, migraines, overactive bladder and misaligned eyes.
How is Botox Used?
The paralysis caused by Botox is temporary and affects only those nerves close to where it is injected. It is the muscle contractions under the skin that stretch the tissues; combined with the normal loss of fatty tissues as people age, these contractions are the source of wrinkles. Botox prevents the muscle from contracting, so the lines disappear and the skin remains smooth. The medication is injected using very fine needles. Complications and side effects occur only rarely.
What’s the Advantage of Botox Over a Face Lift?
Unlike surgical procedures such as face lifts, Botox can achieve similar results but is an office-based procedure. Surgical procedures require general anesthesia and the recovery time is usually at least two weeks or more. A Botox treatment takes only 20 to 30 minutes and there is no downtime- you can resume normal activities immediately. An ice pack or local anesthesia are all that is needed to relieve discomfort. Results are usually immediate. The effects of the treatment may last as long as 12 months in some patients. Additional treatments to maintain the desired look are equally quick.
Am I a Good Candidate for Botox?
As long as you’re in good general health, Botox should work for you. Your age doesn’t matter, but if the wrinkles are due to sagging skin, Botox is unlikely to be effective. Wrinkles on the neck, forehead and around the eyes typically respond to a Botox treatment. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t receive Botox. Botox cannot be used in people who allergic to the medication. If you’re a smoker, we generally recommend you quit, as smoking has a significant detrimental effect on the skin (not to mention the rest of your body).
Wrinkles can detract from your appearance and make you look older. Dr. Charles Dietzik can help erase those annoying wrinkles and make your skin look smoother. Please contact us today for answers to your questions or to schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.